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Abiding Above - November 15, 2013

God’s children have a privilege that unbelievers do not have. They come under the discipline of their heavenly Father.

What is discipline? Discipline is, “child training.” A father does not discipline the children of others, but he pays close attention to the training of his own children.

GOD DISCIPLINES HIS CHILDREN BY TEACHING THEM. He trains and teaches His children so that they may bring honor to His name. Throughout our lives we should be learning about God and His ways.

GOD ALSO DISCIPLINES HIS CHILDREN BY THEIR CIRCUMSTANCES. We are selfish and self-seeking. We know how to be clever and even deceitful to get what we want. Therefore, God has to discipline us. The things that happen to a child of God are not accidental. All things that happen to us are either ordered by God or permitted by Him, and they are working together for our good. The Bible says in

Romans 8:28– “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

GOD DISCIPLINES HIS CHILDREN BY CHASTENING THEM. If we do not heed His warnings through His teachings and in circumstances, God has to chasten us. When God chastens us we find it to be a stronger and sometimes more painful level of His discipline.

Chastisement is not a bad thing. Although unpleasant, it is not to be confused with the wrath, punishment, or judgment of God. It is a reference to the correction and discipline of a loving Heavenly Father toward His children. God’s love for us is as a parent, finding the occasional need to gently correct us or firmly chasten us.

Let’s remember this warning in God’s Holy Word - James 4:17– “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”